The Good Dinosaur (2015)

Pixar's 16th animated feature film The Good Dinosaur  is a beautiful masterpiece. A wonderful work of imagination and art. The animation in this spectacular film is very realistic. Spectacular. Emotional. Exciting. Fun for the whole family. 

Starring: Raymond Ochoa, Jeffery Wright, Frances McDormand, Steve Zahn, with Jack Bright, and Sam Elliott

Director: Peter Sohn 

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 1 Hour and 40 Minutes

Synopsis: 

Luckily for young Arlo, his parents (Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand) and his two siblings, the mighty dinosaurs were not wiped out 65 million years ago. When a rainstorm washes poor Arlo (Raymond Ochoa) downriver, he ends up bruised, battered and miles away from home. Good fortune shines on the frightened dino when he meets Spot (Jack Bright), a Neanderthal boy who offers his help and friendship. Together, the unlikely duo embark on an epic adventure to reunite Arlo with his beloved family.


Rate: A+

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (2015)

The epic and final chapter to the global phenomenon The Hunger Games, Mockingjay Part 2, does not disappoint. It is a breathing taking,  heart wrenching action -packed film. Stellar performances are given by the all-star ensemble. They definitely know how to tug at the hearts of book and movie fans! Director Francis Lawrence has done a tremendous job at interpreting the very successful books to the silver screen. In which ways include, the action sequences, character dialogue, and the settings. Overall, Mockingjay Part 2 is a terrific finale to a YA' franchise which has grossed over 2.3 Billion dollars, the first three movies alone.

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, with Donald Sutherland and Stanley Tucci

Director: Francis Lawrence 

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 2 Hours & 16 Minutes

Synopsis: 

Realizing the stakes are no longer just for survival, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) teams up with her closest friends, including Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Finnick for the ultimate mission. Together, they leave District 13 to liberate the citizens of war-torn Panem and assassinate President Snow, who's obsessed with destroying Katniss. What lies ahead are mortal traps, dangerous enemies and moral choices that will ultimately determine the future of millions.

Grade: A+

The Divergent Series: Insurgent (2015)

Insurgent (2015) review~ 

Great action and Special effects sequences. Powerful performances by a star - studded cast. Breathtaking and brilliant! 

Cast: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ansel Elgort, Octavia Spencer, with Kate Winslet, and Naomi Watts

Production Company: Summit Entertainment 

Director: Robert Schwentke

Runtime: 1 hour and 59 minutes

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Intense Violence and Action Throughout, Some Sensuality, Thematic Elements and Brief Language)

Synopsis:

1. Now on the run from Jeanine (Kate Winslet) and the rest of the power-hungry Erudites, Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) search for allies and answers in the ruins of Chicago. They must find out what Tris' family sacrificed their lives to protect and why the Erudites will do anything to stop them. Side by side, Tris and Four face one seemingly insurmountable challenge after another, as they unravel the secrets of the past and -- ultimately -- the future of their world.

   Rate: A+ (from an A to an F scale) 

Spectre (2015)

The 24th film in the ultra successful James Bond film series, Spectre, has up'd the action from previous film Skyfall. Daniel Craig does it again, giving another outstanding preformance as 007. 

Starring: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes, Monica Bellucci, Naomie Harris, Lea Seydoux, with Ben Whishaw, and David Bautista

Director: Sam Mendes 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 

Runtime: 2 Hours & 26 Minutes 

Synopsis: 

A cryptic message from the past leads James Bond (Daniel Craig) to Mexico City and Rome, where he meets the beautiful widow (Monica Bellucci) of an infamous criminal. After infiltrating a secret meeting, 007 uncovers the existence of the sinister organization SPECTRE. Needing the help of the daughter of an old nemesis, he embarks on a mission to find her. As Bond ventures toward the heart of SPECTRE, he discovers a chilling connection between himself and the enemy (Christoph Waltz) he seeks.


Rate: A+ 

The Martian (2015)

Based on the 2011 best-selling science fiction novel,  by Andy Weir comes to the big screen. Gripping. Dramatic. Sensational. The Martian is a whirl wind of excitement. 

Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, With Jeff Daniels, and Kristen Wiig

Director: Ridley Scott

Synopsis:

When astronauts blast off from the planet Mars, they leave behind Mark Watney (Matt Damon), presumed dead after a fierce storm. With only a meager amount of supplies, the stranded visitor must utilize his wits and spirit to find a way to survive on the hostile planet. Meanwhile, back on Earth, members of NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring him home, while his crew mates hatch their own plan for a daring rescue mission.


Runtime: 2 Hours, 22 Minutes


MPAA Rating: PG-13


Rate: A-

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1(2014)

Mockingjay Part 1 is a dramatic and riveting setup for the final chapter. A propaganda film. Great performances by a great cast. Lots of drama and action, but no arena in this one. 

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, and Jeffery Wright, With Phillip Seymour Hoffman And Julianne Moore

Director: Francis Lawrence

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Synopsis: Following her rescue from the devastating Quarter Quell, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) awakes in the complex beneath the supposedly destroyed District 13. Her home, District 12, has been reduced to rubble, and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) is now the brainwashed captive of President Snow (Donald Sutherland). At the same time, Katniss also learns about a secret rebellion spreading throughout all of Panem -- a rebellion that will place her at the center of a plot to turn the tables on Snow.

Runtime: 2 Hours 3 Minutes

Rate: B+

Poster Courtesy of Lionsgate

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Academy -Award Winner Jennifer Lawrence returns as heroine Katniss, In the second installment of the blockbuster, smash-hit, Hunger Games. The action is more intense then the first movie. Drama and the intensity level is huge. New characters. New Setting. Sure to be gripping. 

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz , With Donald Sutherland and Stanley Tucci

Director: Francis Lawrence

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Synopsis: After arriving safely home from their unprecedented victory in the 74th Annual Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) discover that they must do a quick turnaround and begin a Victors Tour. As she and Peeta travel throughout the districts, Katniss senses a rebellion is stirring. However, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) proves that he is still very much in control when word comes of a cruel change in the rules for the upcoming 75th Hunger Games.

Runtime: 2 Hours, 26 Minutes 

Rate: A+

Poster Courtesy of Lionsgate